Dr. Deidre Leake is a facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. She has received a 5.0 out of 5 star rating by her patients. Dr. Leake accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield Bronze, Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO, and more. Her education and training includes medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine and residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Dr. Uma Eyyunni is a Saint Augustine, FL physician who specializes in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). Dr. Eyyunni is in-network for United Healthcare HMO, United Healthcare Compass, and United Healthcare Navigate, in addition to other insurance carriers. She is a graduate of Osmania Medical College.

Dr. Arthur Taliaferro works as an otolaryngologist and head and neck plastic surgeon. Patients rated him highly, giving him an average of 4.0 stars out of 5. He is an in-network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield Bronze, and Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO, in addition to other insurance carriers. Dr. Taliaferro attended medical school at the University of South Florida (USF) College of Medicine.

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What is Head and Neck Surgery?

Head and neck surgery is a subspecialty that provides advanced surgical care for the head, face, neck, and throat. Most head and neck surgeons begin their careers as otolaryngologists (ENTs) or plastic surgeons, but becoming certified as a head and neck surgeon requires additional training.

A surgeon who treats the head and neck has very specific considerations to take into account when operating. The delicate structures of the head and neck control our senses, our speech, our ability to chew and swallow food, and even our ability to breathe. A head and neck surgeon has to be careful to preserve the many functions of the head and neck when performing an operation. Also, when operating on or around the face, extreme care must be taken to leave as few scars as possible, since the face is a critical part of identity and social interaction. It all adds up to a tricky job.

Some of the issues a head and neck surgeon might treat include:

Cancer

Trauma to the face or neck

Thyroid disorders requiring surgery

Sinus surgery

Tonsillectomies / adenoidectomies

Cleft palate repair

Disorders of the larynx (voice box)

Cancers, especially of the esophagus, mouth, lips, and skin around the face or throat, are one of the most common issues requiring head or neck surgery. Most often, head and neck cancers are related to tobacco use. Chewing tobacco in particular affects the lips and mouth. Other risk factors for head and neck cancers include alcohol use and sun exposure.

Often after surgery, but particularly after the removal of a tumor, head and neck surgeons will perform reconstructive surgery, including microvascular surgery to connect or replace skin tissue. The goal is to restore not only a patient’s function but also their appearance in this critical area of the body, improving self-esteem.